Milbank is routinely engaged by a mix of corporate issuers and underwriting banks, and enjoys a strong reputation for guiding debut issuers through their first forays into the bond market, as well as supporting underwriters on complex leveraged buyouts. The group is led by Apostolos Gkoutzinis, regarded as a leading authority on deals involving Greek issuers and banks, particularly in high-stakes bond transactions. Both praised for their 'advice, market knowledge and practicality', Rebecca Marques brings substantial expertise in high-yield restructurings and LBO financing deals, while Ana Grbec is noted for her work across a diverse range of sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Rebecca Marques and Ana Grbec are the standout partners in the team. We've worked with them for years and highly value their advice, market knowledge and practicality. They are fully engaged with deals and make a point of knowing our internal policies and assisting us with getting deals over the line.’
- ‘The Milbank team is, from top to bottom, very strong, covering all key aspects of the UK and US finance practices. Very strong.’
- ‘Apostolos Gkoutzinis is one of the strongest high-yield partners operating in Europe. He is very smart and knowledgeable, but also commercial. He looks to get deals done.'
- 'Ana Grbec is a truly special talent working both on high-yield products as well as loans. She is adaptable to really any product or financing and has a relentless work ethic. She, too, is also very commercial and a pleasure to work with on a deal.’
- 'A market-leading practice known for its technical excellence, commercial pragmatism and consistent delivery on complex and time-sensitive transactions. The team combines deep experience across the full spectrum of high-yield debt products with a responsive, client-focused approach that makes them a go-to choice for underwriters. The team also collaborates seamlessly with its leveraged finance team, providing end-to-end coverage, which is important.'
Key clients
- Public Power Corporation
- Metlen Energy & Metals S.A.
- Globalworth
- Imagination Aero Investments Limited
- Kier Group
- Borr IHC Limited, Borr Finance LLC
- SNF Group
- Salt Mobile
Work highlights
Represented the financing sources in connection with L. Catterton’s €1.4 billion acquisition of KIKO. Represented the initial purchasers in connection with the offering by Duomo BidCo S.p.A. of €500 million Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2031 and an €85 million revolving credit facility.
Represented the financing sources in connection with Almaviva S.p.A.’s acquisition of Iteris Inc. (NASDAQ-listed). Advised the initial purchasers in connection with the offering by Almaviva S.p.A.’s of €725 million 5.00% senior secured notes due 2030 and a new revolving credit facility.
Advised Zegona Communications plc and certain subsidiaries in connection with the offering of €1.3 billion 6.750% senior secured notes due 2029 and $900 million 8.625% senior secured notes due 2029, and the €920 million and $400 million TLB loan to refinance Zegona’s bridge facility that was drawn to support the acquisition of Vodafone Spain for an enterprise value of €5 billion on May 31, 2024.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Apostolos Gkoutzinis
Other key lawyers
Rebecca Marques; Ana Grbec